Special report on bukan
The Hana Human Rights Organization, continuing its field monitoring of conditions in Kurdistan cities, has released the latest information gathered from local sources regarding the humanitarian and security situation in Bukan.
Field reports from Bukan indicate a distinct atmosphere compared to other cities in the region. Local sources report that in everyday conversations, a positive perception has formed toward recent attacks on government centers, with residents viewing these developments as a sign of weakening power structures and unprecedented pressure on them. Among parts of public opinion, there is a growing belief that the government has moved beyond its previous capacity and entered a critical phase.
In the economic sphere, market activity is experiencing a noticeable downturn, with a large portion of non-essential transactions halted. Many residents are avoiding unnecessary purchases, focusing instead on securing basic necessities. Local sources report that trade in gold and foreign currency continues, and some residents are withdrawing cash from banks and converting it into US dollars or gold.
At the same time, rising prices of essential goods have placed additional pressure on families. According to local data, the cost of many basic items has increased significantly in recent days, with food and consumer goods in some cases doubling in price, further reducing household purchasing power.
In areas of the city located near government centers, some families and business owners have left their homes or workplaces and moved to garden houses or areas outside the city. Most commercial units around government-affiliated centers remain closed, and public movement in these areas is carried out with increased caution.
The presence of security forces and plainclothes personnel in streets and neighborhoods has increased, and field control across the city remains visibly active. However, reports indicate a decline in morale among government forces, with one of their primary concerns being the possible return of Peshmerga forces to the area. Local sources emphasize that fear of potential Kurdish force movements has had a greater psychological impact on stationed forces than any other factor. As a result, some checkpoints in parts of the city have been removed, and some forces have been forced to change their previous positions.
Some pro-government auxiliary forces have reportedly changed their places of residence or are avoiding public presence in the city. Local sources also state that in recent days, some of these individuals have approached trusted community figures, expressing regret and requesting support.
According to local reports, following the bombing of the governor’s office building in Bukan, a significant number of individuals present at the site were killed. Field sources also indicate that some individuals may still be trapped under the rubble. In the same incident, three civilians—Shayan Mam Salimi, Peyman Erfani, and Ardalan Pakdel—also lost their lives.
Taken together, these developments, alongside the widespread presence of security forces, economic stagnation, and rising concern about future developments, have significantly affected the city’s overall atmosphere.
The Hana Human Rights Organization expresses concern over the continued livelihood pressures, stagnation in daily activities, and expanding security presence in Bukan, warning about the direct impact of these conditions on civilian life. It emphasizes the urgent need for attention from human rights and humanitarian organizations to the situation of residents and considers the continued presence of security forces in urban areas a factor contributing to increased public uncertainty.
Hana Human Rights Organization
19 March 2026